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Natural Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors Can Help Reduce Uric Acid

Natural xanthine Oxidase inhibitors can be part of the gout treatment regimen. There are three very potent and safe agents that have XOI effects, Casein protein, green tea leaf extract and resveratrol from Japanese Knotweed root.

Casein, which is a no-purine protein, is proven to increase the amount of uric acid excreted in urine, the uricosuric effect. Researchers have tested these effects in several studies. These studies have demonstrated in clinical trials that, in addition to casein’s known uricosuric effect, increasing uric acid excretion, the protein may acutely decrease serum UA concentration in the blood. This reduction in UA levels may significantly help in reducing the frequency and severity of gout attacks.

Casein makes up a significant percentage of the protein in milk. This milk protein is an excellent source of many essential amino acids. Casein is a slow-digesting protein which is very advantageous given its uric acid reduction properties. Interestly, this protein, while understood very well among body builders, has not, until recently been used as a natural agent for gout.

Green tea contains high level of catechins, in which Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant compound among other types of catechins. Their antioxidant effect contributes to various potential health benefits of green tea. Several in-vitro studies have found that green tea inhibits xanthine oxidase activity and subsequently uric acid production.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, taking 250 to 500 milligrams daily of green tea extract or drinking 2 to 4 cups of tea prepared from green tea leaves may help control the symptoms of gout. However, more clinical research is needed to determine the effects of long-term green tea use and to set safe dosage ranges.

It is interesting to note that the FDA has approved human clinical trials in the United States that will study the effects of green tea leaf extract on gout.

Resveratrol from Japanese Knotweed root, an exceptionally potent polyphenol compound, has been shown in-vitro to be capable of directly inhibiting xanthine oxidase activity and thus block the over production of uric acid. Researchers have investigated the free radical scavenging capacity of resveratrol, its effects on xanthine oxidase (XO) activity. Resveratrol showed a dose- dependent free radical scavenging activity, significant inhibition of XO activity and an anti-lipoperoxidative capacity.

It is important when considering natural agents to reduce hyperuricemia, that one considers both uricosuric and xanthine oxidase inhibitors ingredents. Equally important is to have your uric acid levels check on a regular basis as prescribed by your physician.